Cables, Connectors and Wires ...Oh My!!!

"Be sure to connect the DVD to the TV using an S-Video, but the sound needs RCA cables with a quarter inch on one end and that microphone will plug straight into the XLR socket." If this sounds like an alien language from so old episode of Star Trek, than this is the page for you.

When you jump into the world of electronics, you may be intimidated or confused by all these code words and techno-geek talk. A simple glossary and explanation  should clear up some of the confusion.

VIDEO - Televisions, VCRs and DVD Players
RCA cable (audio & video): This is what you will likely find on your VCR. The little red, white and yellow plugs that plug  your TV to your VCR or DVD player or your stereo equipment. Typically, yellow is for video and red, white or black are audio.

S-Video (video only): This connection will give you a better picture on your television from your DVD player, however, no sound is transmitted. You'll still need an RCA cable for the sound.

Coaxial (audio & video): This is what I've always associated with cable television. It connects to those hard to reach screw-on plugs on the back of my VCR and television. Some outside antennas use this type of wire/connector.

AUDIO Sound Systems and Audio Equipment
1/4":This is big connector is found on guitar cables, some speaker cables and other patch cords used to connect sound equipment to audio mixers. Some microphones and audio equipment may also use these plugs.

XLR: This is the type of connection you will find on most professional microphones, microphone cables and mixers. It has three pins on the male end and three holes on the female end. Some lighting systems use these cables and connectors, also.

RCA: As mentioned above, this cable which can connect sound from your VCR or DVD player to your television, can also connect CD players and tape decks to stereo receivers or audio mixers.

COMPUTERS
USB: All newer computers have this connection that allows you to plug an item into your computer without shutting it down and restarting. It's often called Plug and Play. The new USB2 transmit data much faster than the original USB. New computers are coming with the USB2 ports.

Firewire: This cable was originally used for connecting digital video cameras to computers, but now is being used to connect a variety of items to computers. It transmit data very fast.